Nikon unveils J1 small sensor mirrorless camera as part of Nikon 1 system

Nikon has announced the J1 small sensor mirrorless camera. The J1 is the more compact, less expensive model in the line up and, like the V1, features Hybrid autofocus (combining phase detection and contrast detection AF) that allows the camera to shoot at up to 10 frames-per-second with autofocus. The J1 has only an electronic shutter, limiting sync speed to 1/60th of a second but allowing shutter speeds of up to 1/16000th of a second. It's built around a 1" type (13.2mm x 8.8mm) 10MP CMOS sensor, giving a 2.7x crop, which Nikon is calling 'CX' format. Like the V1, it can shoot 1080i60 video. The J1 kit with 10-30mm (27-81mm equiv.) lens will be $649.95. Again, the J1 is expected to arrive in the US around October 20th.

It may seem odd that Nikon would build its mirrorless system around a sensor so much smaller than the ones being used by its rivals. We think it makes a lot of sense for the company. Click here to read why.

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP: THE NIKON 1 SYSTEM BALANCES SPEED, STYLE AND SIMPLICITY TO CREATIVELY CAPTURE ALL OF LIFE'S SPONTANEOUS MOMENTS

The Nikon J1

The New Nikon J1 and V1 Cameras as Well as Four New Ultra-Portable Lenses are Engineered for Expressive Living

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept 21, 2011) – Nikon Inc. today announced a revolutionary new digital imaging system built from the ground up to empower users with new ways to tell stories through photography, driven by imaginative next-generation technology. The iconic new Nikon 1 system is designed to become one with the user and their lifestyle, providing a unique form of expression with amazing image quality, speed and portability.

From Nikon, a company with more than 75 years in imaging excellence, the Nikon 1 J1 is an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses that opens the door to a fresh way to capture pictures and High Definition (HD) movies. This Nikon 1 system represents a new category of camera that challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing a pocketable form factor with unbelievable speed, combined with the high image quality that only Nikon could create. Thanks to a wealth of innovative technologies, the Nikon J1 camera is a simple to use conduit for creativity, seemingly anticipating a consumer's needs in any situation. Moments are instantly captured using amazingly fast new hybrid Autofocus (AF), and blazing fast speed with continuous AF. Users can also shoot with confidence knowing that the Smart Photo Selector will automatically capture the best possible image without a second thought. Furthermore, just a touch of the shutter button instantly captures a high quality image while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p movies, and the exciting new Motion Snapshot mode captures fleeting moments like never before with a combination of moving and still images, bringing memories to life. To accompany this exciting new form factor, Nikon created the entirely new 1 NIKKOR lens system that seamlessly integrates powerful precision optics into a camera platform to capture more of the world around the user.

"The needs of the consumer are changing and the world is becoming one of visual conversation, which paves the way for the next chapter in image capture devices. The new Nikon 1 system is the culmination of more than 75 years of optical excellence and relentless pursuit to the unrivaled technological advancements in camera technology," said Bo Kajiwara, Director of Marketing, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's new 1 J1 camera allows consumers to have confidence in a new way to express themselves, with amazing speed, versatility, ease of use and portability."

One Purpose: A Revolutionary New System

The new Nikon 1 system is a completely original concept, engineered specifically to strike the ultimate balance of performance, intuitive simplicity and portability to chronicle life like never before. This breakthrough platform lays the foundation for future technologies, and the Nikon 1 system has been created for the consumer who wants to capture, share and connect to life. The fully electronic lens system enables the camera to keep pace with an active lifestyle and delivers amazing images and Full HD 1080p movies to connect with friends and family. Whether it's a spontaneous outing or a planned trek abroad, the versatility of interchangeable lenses in a convenient form factor will allow a consumer to take the camera with them wherever life leads. Furthermore, the J1 camera makes a personal style statement with a variety of matching colored camera bodies and lenses.

The heart of the new J1 camera is the new Nikon developed CX-format, 10.1 megapixel High-Speed AF CMOS sensor that helps make this camera the pinnacle of portable performance. The newly developed CMOS sensor has been engineered for amazing image quality in a variety of lighting conditions, with a native ISO range of 100-3200 (6400 Hi-1) for maximum versatility. Images captured with this new sensor exhibit striking colors, vivid hues and rich detail so lifelike, it's the next best thing to being there as memories unfold.

Nikon's exclusive new EXPEED 3™ image processing engine drives the system and is the catalyst behind the camera's rapid response, fast AF and high-speed performance. In addition, the new dual core EXPEED 3 processor works to maximize battery efficiency while yielding images and movies with low noise and vibrant tones. The Nikon J1 is engineered for maximum ease of use, featuring a clean button layout and intuitive graphical interface. Distractions and menus are minimized; creating a clear path to the camera's advanced functions, further unleashing creative potential.

The Fastest One

From first steps to first date, life moves fast and the Nikon J1 is the camera to keep pace. The camera seemingly anticipates action with amazing autofocus, response time and operation. The new advanced hybrid AF system is the world's fastest autofocus1, allowing consumers to capture more of their world than ever before. The Nikon J1 features new focal plane phase detection AF that reacts instantly to deliver incredibly fast, split-second response. Wherever action is happening in the frame, the 73-point AF system will get the shot. This newly developed hybrid system continuously evaluates the scene at hand for optimal results, and can switch between phase detection and contrast detect AF to best suit the scene. Whether shooting in low-light conditions like a late night block party, or a fast moving pick-up game, photographers can capture details with confidence.

When the action is happening, users can also shoot at a fast 10 frames per second (fps), with full adaptive AF for frame after frame of images with incredible sharpness and detail. Additionally, the scene can be captured at full resolution up to a staggering 60 fps (AF locked), which is the world's fastest continuous shooting speed2. So go ahead and capture a best friend's high dive at the next pool party, and then confidently share every aspect of the leap with stunning detail.

The One That Inspires a New Way to Capture with Motion Snapshot

Motion Snapshot is a new approach to capturing images that will dramatically alter the way we perceive digital photography. By selecting the Motion Snapshot icon from the Mode Dial at the back of the camera, consumers can capture fleeting moments with staggering depth and emotion like never before. The result unites a frozen still image with a slow-motion movement set to a built-in audio soundtrack to create a portrayal of an occurrence with maximum impact. With Motion Snapshot, users are now able to relive memories in stunning detail, as real movement and depth are included in the image. Motion Snapshot provides a way to once again experience someone's hair flowing in the breeze or relaxing scenes like waves crashing or rustling leaves that evoke an emotional response.

Consumers are also able to create masterpieces of moving images from multiple files using the included Short Movie Creator software. This easy-to-use, intuitive software works in conjunction with Nikon's View NX2 to make managing photos and movies fun and easy. With these programs, users are empowered to organize, share and edit photos, Motion Snapshots and HD movies. Users are also able to connect and share Motion Snapshot files using Nikon's my Picturetown, an online resource at www.mypicturetown.com.

The One to Set Trends

Both the camera technology and exterior design were inspired by the pursuit of balance, as a device that lives in perfect accord with any lifestyle. The lines are clean and minimalist, the colors are vibrant, creating a stylish accessory for every personality. The design is meant to inspire creativity, with a simple interface and easy-to-use camera controls, intuitively placed for any user. Switching from modes and accessing advanced features is easy, enabling the user to further push creative boundaries, whether trusting the smart automatic settings or creatively exploring the full manual control modes. Control highlights include a Mode Dial, with the four main common functions readily available, in addition to a Command Dial with common camera settings. The new "F" (feature) button is a new design element to Nikon cameras, which automatically brings up relevant menus and options based on what mode the camera is set.

The Nikon 1 system is further complemented by fashionable, premium accessories tailored to perfectly fit a user's lifestyle. These accessories include a custom fit body case set available in a variety of colors, as well as fashionable, color coordinated leather neck and hand straps.

The Smart One: Nikon's Smart Photo Selector

The new Nikon J1 is an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses that features new technologies aimed at creating better pictures, easier. Nikon's new Smart Photo Selector feature strives to deliver a perfect image every time. When a "can't miss" photo opportunity arises, users can switch to the Smart Photo Selector mode which uses the camera's pre-cache to start shooting and storing images. All of these images are analyzed within the camera, and the best photo is selected based on a number of factors including exposure, focus and advanced facial recognition. While the camera suggests the best image, five frames are recorded, providing the user a choice of their favorite photo. What's more, the J1 also includes favorite core Nikon technologies, such as Active D-lighting, Auto Scene Selector and Picture Controls.

One Device That Also Captures HD Movies

The new CX-format CMOS sensor produces breathtaking Full HD movies at 1080p (30 fps). Users can also shoot at a rapid 60 fps (1080i), or elevate the production with additional 30/60/400 and 1200 fps modes for super slow motion effects. The J1 is made to be flexible, and can capture both HD movies and high resolution images simultaneously. Simply press the shutter while recording to freeze the action with a high quality image file with sharp focus.

Additionally, the Nikon J1 applies noise reduction to movie files, giving the user amazingly sharp, crisp movies with deep black levels. This feature makes this the ideal camera for shooting movies when light is less than ideal, such as indoors or at night. A full HD movie can record a full 29 minutes, while the senses are further treated to sound sampled in full stereo for lifelike reproduction.

One Vision, Two Distinct Cameras

The Nikon J1 is the model designed for those consumers who use a camera as part of their connected lifestyle; always carrying it to bring passion and depth to visual storytelling. Both the camera and the lenses come in a variety of matching stylish colors, including white, pink, red, silver and black. Photos and movies are easily composed and shared on the bright 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. With the aid of the concealed pop-up flash, consumers can easily add fill flash as needed or shoot in most conditions including low-light.

The Nikon 1 V1 is for photo enthusiasts who value interchangeable lens versatility and desire a small form factor. In fact, it's the world's smallest and lightest camera in the world with interchangeable lens versatility and an electronic viewfinder (EVF)3. Aimed at the user excited about creating amazing images and movies, the Nikon V1 has added features including a 1.4 million dot high resolution EVF that automatically activates when the user raises the camera to their eye. In addition to the high-speed electronic shutter, the magnesium alloy body conceals a high performance mechanical shutter that affords tactile feedback and expanded shooting options.

The V1 camera also features Nikon's new Multi-Accessory Port for attaching options such as the new SB-N5 compact speedlight, or the GP-N100 GPS module. For those making movies, the V1 has a stereo microphone input for professional quality audio.

Price and Availability

The Nikon J1 and V1 will be available throughout the United States beginning October 20th. The Nikon J1 camera with 10-30mm lens kit will be available at a suggested retail price4 of $649.95. The Nikon V1 camera with 10-30mm lens kit will be available for a suggested retail price4 of $899.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1: Based on performance with shooting using a standard zoom lens (10-30) at the maximum wide-angle position with AF-area mode set to Single-point (results based on Nikon test conditions) 2: The world's fastest continuous shooting speed: 60 fps (while the AF is locked in the first frame) (shot at full resolution (10M)). Among cameras with interchangeable lenses 3: Among cameras with interchangeable lenses with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). 4: Suggested retail price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time *Comparison models include the Nikon D3100, Sony NEX-5, NEX-2 NEX-C3 NEX-5N, Olympus E-PL1s, E-PL2, E-P3, E-PL3, Panasonic G10, GF-2, GH2, G3 Samsung NX-10, NX100

Comments

Just looking at those absolutely awful pictures that this camera can take. (Just searching on Flickr for Nikon V1).

Yes sarcasm was intended. I really get annoyed with all those people that obviously only read specs and peep at pixels and never actually take real photos.

While I am not a Nikon owner (I only have Canon P&S cameras), clearly this camera is able to perform in what it is supposed to do - capturing the moment, with enough control for enthusiasts, and a lot of flexibility. (I'm probably going to wait and see Canon responds, but the V1 could be something to yearn for).

So what if Nikon didn't release the camera you wanted, ie: 24mp with f1.2 lenses that fits in the palm of your hand, this camera fits between their compacts and DSLRs perfectly. It is also very well made, easy to use and the picture quality is perfectly good FOR THE INTENDED MARKET.

I've got a D90 and I'm gonna buy one of these for snaps as it is plenty good enough, I'm not even gonna consider the whingeing of the "enthusiasts" here, buy cameras for the job you need them for and don't kid yourself that there will ever be one to rule them all.

Mr Suzuki, the R&D chief of NIKON has said in an interview (another article in DPR) that they specifically targeted the P&S crowd for this camera and aimed at the LOWER END.No wonder.A lot of complaints come from the crowd who are NOT the P&S kind.The problem is...The P&S crowd couldn't care a heck what gets placed in the shelves.The UPPER END cares, and these are LOYAL Nikon followers.These is where most of the anger stems, the loyal brand followers.They don't come from Canon fan boys and Sony suckers.Those who can afford to buy this price levels are ANGRY.Those who are below this price budget are the P&S crowd who cannot and will not fork out 300% of their regular P&S budget hobby.This camera is now in no man's land.

I think that it's spectacular that it can shoot 60 fps in full resolution. That's a real breakthrough. The downside, of course, is that - assuming a 3 MB average size for photos - a "movie" made up of such shots would use more than 10 GB per minute...filling a 16 GB card in about a minute and a half. So no real ultra HD movies. And no monitor would be able to show them in full resolution...though the videos would be pristine. The 59 other photos per second will have to be discarded.

Unfortunately, the camera is ugly, has a relatively small sensor, is much too expensive (especially for the market that Nikon says it's targeting), and is a waste of a new lens mount.

I feel it's too bad. If they put this technology into a true point-and-shoot (small sensor, fixed lens), then they could sell it as a one-off and see how it does. It would be a luxury P&S, and it probably wouldn't be getting this kind of criticism.

I hope this technology can be used with a better camera in the future.

Though intrigued by the technology, the more I think about it, the more I realise that Nikon has made some bad errors here regarding the needs of their enthusiasts. If the price was better and the lenses brighter, the V1 would be a natural choice. If fact, I think they are being disingenuous by saying they didn't target enthusiasts with this- the truth more probably being that couldn't affordably make a bright prime, like Panasonic's 20mm f/1.7 to keep them happy.

So what do Nikon DSLR users who want a more 'serious' mirrorless solution to travel lighter do? For the moment, Nikon seems to be asking them either to wait for other models, or go to another brand. Their argument that there are more consumers out there than enthusiasts misses the mark, as it's generally only enthusiasts that buy other lenses. I actually think they should release some kind of statement on the matter, or a roadmap to a prosumer product.

Though intrigued by the technology, the more I think about it, the more I realise that Nikon has made some bad errors here regarding the needs of their enthusiasts. If the price was better and the lenses brighter, the V1 would be a natural choice. If fact, I think they are being disingenuous by saying they didn't target enthusiasts with this- the truth more probably being that couldn't affordably make a bright prime, like Panasonic's 20mm f/1.7 to keep them happy.

So what do Nikon DSLR users who want a more 'serious' mirrorless solution to travel lighter do? For the moment, Nikon seems to be asking them either to wait for other models, or go to another brand. Their argument that there are more consumers out there than enthusiasts misses the mark, as it's generally only enthusiasts that buy other lenses. I actually think they should release some kind of statement on the matter, or a roadmap to a prosumer product.

I am in the process of buying a mirrorless camera as a second camera for my Nikon DSLR and sadly think Nikon missed the mark with these cameras. A smaller sensor than the Micro Four Thirds Panasonic and Olympus competition, lenses that are not as good as the competition, a lens mount that looks neither compliant to a standard Nikon mount nor the Micro Four Thirds. All I can say is that Nikon Marketing should recognize that it needs to be BETTER than the competition if it wishes to be successful. Canon will most likely get it right when it offers a mirrorless camera, which will put a further nail in the Nikon coffin as a premier camera manufacturer.

I know the designers are thinking they combined the best elements, small size and interchangeable lenses, together. But to me, it is a combination of the worst elements, small viewfinder, tiny sensor, weak flash. To be a significant advancement it would need to be waterproof, and have High Contrast Reduction built-in. It harks back to the Pentax A110, an interchangable lens 110 cartridge SLR.

Perhaps we should consider the end uses of photos. The situation currently appears to be in transition. Print media are being replaced by digital media, which currently use far lower resolutions than the present crop of p&s cameras. Are 14 or 15 MP cameras really needed if the pictures are being displayed on devices that only show 2 or 3 MP?

Sure, bokah, posters and billboards require larger sensors and longer focal length formats, but do ALL our photos need them? If not, aren't we just accepting the unnecessary overhead of dealing with - and storing - a lot of redudant extra pixels?

I agree ... which is why 95% of my photography is now done with an S95, leaving the DSLR for more dedicated work. Of the thousands of pictures we shoot each year, how many do we actually blow-up larger than A4 ... I personally only publish my pics online, so yes, what do I need a DSLR for unless its for something like a wedding or for printing on canvass.

I have several photography friends, and not one of them will buy this. Why get this when you can get a 3rd generation Oly E-PL body for the same price? People used to criticize Oly for having a small sensor ... now NIkon is releasing one even smaller? LOL. They are just too desperate to get into the game. Maybe they hired staff that was let go from RIM's Playbook team?

Why is everyone doing a smaller interchangeable lens sensor? M43s are great i love them but come on this is smaller than that. and then theres also the Pentax! whats up with all the new cams having an even smaller sensor than M43s!!!

They're actually called '1" type' sensors. It's a crazy but sadly industry-wide way of describing the format of the sensor, not any actual dimension. That's why we always state the actual size - we're not just giving the metric conversion:

Will the J1 be in the "Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR" category and the V1 be in the "Mid Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR" category when they are reviewed? Their prices seem to be in line with those categories.

Lenses have Image Stabilisation - at least some of them - perhaps not the 10mm which is very small.

I think the design (visually at least) and the Nikon name will sell this system despite whatever anyone thinks of it in terms of sensor size. However, will any potential customer in this market segment really know the difference between a phase detection focus system and a fast contrast based system like the Olympus EP series? I doubt that this feature alone will make it a major point of difference to take sales away from M43 especially the similarly sized E-PM1 and GF3.

Why would you want the Mode Dial right underneath you thumb, where it is clearly going to get moved and I mean a lot, especially when you have your compact, sorry not so compact, really long heavy zoom lens on the front...

They could always make the camera more slipery than this shape already is by coating it with a Teflon non-stick finish...

Not to mention there is no Image Stabilation in camera, or lenses...

That LCD is looking pretty low res too at just 460K dots...

And that sensor is never going to challenge the low end of the Nikon DLSR's anytime soon...

That is so tired by now. "No viewfinder. Not serious". Come on already. Viewfinders in cameras that small are stupid. I use a C7070 with an OVF and every time I look through the thing I ask myself what am I doing? "that's not where I see at all". I know it's hard to change but it must be done sometime. You know there plenty of "serious" cameras out there-try Craigslist.

AFAK, all known technologies for "phase detection" require some kind of mirror, usually semitransparent to reflect some light to phase detection sensor, Intresting, where did they put mirror and phase detection autofocus sensor?

Let's hope the corners are sharp in the lenses with a smaller crop ratio. A handful of good prime lenses would be good (28/45/85 equivalent). If it takes an F mount converter to get better optics I'll put it on a Sony!

I am also one of those idiots, the kind that want something small but with good image quality without having to carry a rucksack full of equipment. An "idiot" that isn't bothered about flaunting the latest 3k dslr body with fast glass, just someone who wants to capture some memories when out and about. I may have to spend 3 seconds switching to shutter priority when taking pics of my son on the move which I now know is a hardship for you "professionals" who obviously work for some glossy mags (not). The bottom line is it fits the bill for some people out there, get over yourself - photography isn't meant to be full of snobbery - download the latest firmware and you'll see what it's capable of.

Nikon made a smart move here, much like Olympus and Panasonic did when they introduced 4/3rds years ago.In this digital age, small and portable always wins over big and unwieldy.

This debate reminds me of how 35mm film dominated even though it was inferior in image quality to medium or large format film.There was simply no arguing the benefit of a portable camera.

The difference today however, is that film resolution remained static for decades, but this is not so with digital sensors. Now the limiting factor has become lens resolution.

If I understand correctly small lenses can be made more precisely and at lower cost than large lenses. So when these small sensors improve their low light and video capabilities there will be no advantage to larger sensor formats. Image quality will simply become a mute point for 98 percent of the population.

When that happens what will happen to the DSLR production?Manufactures all better be on board with a reasonably small form factor.

Armen, you nailed it. I'm in the process of dumping my Nikon DSLR system for a MFT Olympus PL-3 with a mix of Panasonic and Olympus lenses. The driving factors were weight and portability since, yes, as a practical matter IQ is no longer an issue. The traditional DSLR is dead, although it might take five years to show it. The MFT standard and the new wave of EVF cameras were the tipping points. The surprising benefit may be a new focus on getting higher IQ out of smaller sensors.

If you want small, buy an S95/S100 ... if you want something of a similar size but better in EVERY single way, buy a NEX-C3!

Compromising on size is one thing, but this is a compromise too far! Price it at £299 and fair enough, but at over £500 ... cannot for the life of me see what mugs are gonna buy this over and above a P&S like the S100, GF3, EP-1 or NEX range!

Armen ... WTF are you talking about! Whilst you may think the whole DSLR world is ready to give up on this sector in favour of 4/3rds, the rest of us view things a little differently!

The introduction of 4/3rds systems has been a blessing as its allowed P&S upgraders to get a better quality shot and enjoy the fun of being more manual in their shooting; and for the SLR owner, a compliment to their systems for days when lugging around a big bag of lenses isn't ideal. But to say 'Image quality will become a mute point' proves your lack of knowledge (as does your obvious lack of how a lens is manufactured and works).

There will ALWAYS be a market for the DSLR, supported more and more by smaller 4/3rd offerings; but to say 4/3rds will kill off the DSLR is the most absurd thing I've ever heard. Stick to your iPhone or brownie camera me suggests!

"Images captured with this new sensor exhibit striking colors, vivid hues and rich detail so lifelike, it's the next best thing to being there as memories unfold."

And no mention of noise levels with that sensor? Pardon me, aren't you forgetting something? An "original concept," a "breakthrough platform"? Hyperbole much? Is there anything revolutionary about this camera? The mid-size sensor? Oh please, this is pure advertising puffery. Give me my NEX-7! I need it (and my future D800) to replace my D7000.